After a tense, tied game last week, Crick were back on the road this week to play regular opponents Marton, away at Dunchurch. Scorching conditions left the outfield parched, and the pitch was only distinguishable by the set of stumps at either end. It was decided that the game would be a 35 over contest, as pie night at the Red Lion took precedence over the last few overs for obvious reasons.
Crick travelled with a strong team and were delighted, sorry disappointed, to find that some of Marton’s regular big hitters weren’t playing. It wasn’t a surprise then that Crick took early wickets through opening bowlers Charlie Gibbins with excellent figures of 6-1-11-4, and Mike Rodley (7-0-43-3) aided by a stunningly low, reflex, gravity-aided catch by Bobby Brooke, who decided he actually could catch the ball at the very last second and shocked everyone, including the batter who was actually very philosophical about it. This catch would rival Mark Jones’ catch at Stoneleigh a couple of weeks ago for catch of the season.
The openers were nobly supported by young Fin Newton (3-0-24-0), young(ish) James Gibbins (1.1-0-8-1), wannabe youngster Dave Allen (7-1-26-1) and far from young Paul Preece (7-0-40-1). On a blisteringly hot afternoon, Crick were excellent with the ball and in the field, and the batters were never allowed to express themselves or get on top of the bowling, reflected by the fact that the top score of the innings was just 29. For once, the fielding was exceptional, all catches were taken (how often can we say that?!), and the effort was bang on, especially given the conditions. This week’s honourable mention goes to Steve Exton behind the stumps who took a catch and a stumping and could have had more dismissals on another day. However, after a dominant display by Crick, Marton were eventually bowled out for 165 off 31 overs, which would still prove a difficult chase from 35 overs.
Crick started poorly with the bat when Rocky (2), only in form when playing against us, edged behind to the keeper. It should be said that he was honest enough to walk when the umpire did not give him out. This sparked a(nother) minor collapse for Crick’s top order, with Jammy (10), Bobby (3), Charlie (0) and Dave (8), all out to shots they didn’t need to play, especially this early on in the innings. Mark Jones (8), batting at number 7 but in after about 8 overs, was caught and bowled by their opener, who by now had taken a five-for. This brought Pete Grant and Fin Newton to the crease, who put on a fine partnership of 48 to steady the ship and get Crick back in the game. Rolling back the years, Pete played some elegant strokes to top score with 34, whilst Fin (13) anchored the innings and rotated the strike well. Mike Rodley smashed his first ever six in an entertaining cameo of 27 at the end, partnered by Steve ‘Captain Pugwash’ Exton who finished on a stylish 13*, before Paul Preece (0) ended the chase by missing a straight one. Crick were eventually bowled out for 149, which was a great recovery considering the start they made, however it felt like we should have won after such a promising start in the field. Needless to say, plenty of pints were sank in the pub that evening.